Imposter syndrome (IS) is a term that was first used by psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s.
This syndrome refers to the belief that you aren’t as intelligent or successful as others think you are. People with this condition think of themselves as phonies or frauds. They may go through life feeling as if they’re about to be “found out” or that their achievements were a result of luck.As a Boca drug treatment center, we’ve also had firsthand experience with mental illness. Mental conditions like imposter syndrome don’t discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of their race, job, social status, or experience. Because this condition is rarely spoken of, our team at Banyan Boca has decided to identify the signs of imposter syndrome.
Signs You Have Imposter Syndrome
One of the most common imposter syndrome symptoms is believing you’re a fraud. People with imposter syndrome rarely share their accomplishments due to fear of exposure. They think of themselves as frauds and believe that their failures will be exposed if they’re open about their achievements. Imposter syndrome often exists under the guise of extreme modesty. While many avoid talking about their achievements, people who exhibit signs of imposter syndrome truly believe their success is the result of luck or deceit rather than hard work.Those suffering from imposter syndrome experience legitimate psychological discomfort acknowledging the role they played in their own accomplishments. Their skills, hard work, and intelligence may go unnoticed in their own eyes and positive results are usually attributed to luck. These negative thoughts are often referred to as cognitive distortions that stem from anxiety rather than truth.
While this condition can affect anyone, imposter syndrome signs reveal themselves most often in the workplace. Especially in larger corporations or companies where an employee’s benefits are dependent on higher ratings and numbers, imposter syndrome can take a toll.
The signs of imposter syndrome may differ from person to person, but there are a few consistent indicators regardless of the individual. A person with imposter syndrome may show signs including:
- Constant comparisons between themselves and their coworkers or others in their life
- Extreme anxiety
- Feeling inadequate or incapable
- Lack of self-confidence
- Self-doubt
- Frequently speaks negatively about themselves
- Dwells on past mistakes or achievements
- Irrational fear of the future, especially work-related tasks
- Distrust in their own abilities
While this syndrome isn’t a distinct mental disorder, it can lead to other mental illnesses like anxiety. If the person is unable to cope with their symptoms, they may need professional help. At Banyan Treatment Centers Boca, we offer a mental health program that addresses a variety of mental disorders and their individual facets. Patients in this program will receive care that is unique to their needs and goals.
Someone that exhibits signs of addiction may also struggle with a mental illness, as the two are often linked to one another. As a Boca rehab center, we are constantly staying up to date on the best treatments for substance abuse and mental disorders.
If you or a loved one are battling an addiction or mental illness, call Banyan Boca today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our facility and the different levels of care we offer.
Sources:
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
